Is Source of Income Discrimination Illegal for Michigan Renters?

Many Michigan renters wonder if landlords can refuse to rent to them based on how they pay—such as with Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8), Social Security, or child support. Understanding your rights regarding source of income discrimination is crucial, especially if you rely on non-wage income to pay your rent. This article reviews current Michigan law, official complaint process, and where to get support if you feel you've been treated unfairly.

What Is Source of Income Discrimination?

Source of income discrimination happens when a landlord refuses to rent to someone, treats them differently, or sets unfair terms because of how they pay their rent. Common protected sources in many states include:

• Housing vouchers (like Section 8)
• Social Security or SSI benefits
• Unemployment or veteran’s benefits
• Child or spousal support

Some renters rely on programs or benefits outside of regular wages, and laws in many places protect them—but is that the case in Michigan?

Does Michigan Ban Source of Income Discrimination?

As of 2024, Michigan state law does not ban source of income discrimination for renters in private housing. This means that, in most areas, landlords can legally deny your application because you use a housing voucher or other public benefit, unless you live in a city or county with its own protections.

The main Michigan law covering fair housing is the Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act, which makes it illegal to discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, or disability. However, this act does not include source of income as a protected category at the state level.^[1]

Local Source of Income Protection in Michigan

Some Michigan cities and counties have adopted their own ordinances adding "source of income" as a protected characteristic. These local rules may apply to landlords and property managers within city or county limits. For example:

• Ann Arbor: Bans discrimination based on lawful source of income for rental housing. See Ann Arbor Code Title IX, Chapter 112.
• East Lansing: Also protects source of income under local ordinance. Learn more from East Lansing's official website.

Renter protections depend on your local ordinance, so check with your city's housing office or visit their website for up-to-date rules.

If You Experience Source of Income Discrimination

If you believe a landlord rejected or treated you unfairly based on your source of income and you live in a covered city, you can usually file a complaint. Here’s how:

• Document everything: save messages, emails, or application forms.
• Contact your local human rights or civil rights office.
• File a formal complaint using their official process.

Key Michigan Agencies and Forms

• Michigan Department of Civil Rights (MDCR): Handles statewide housing discrimination complaints—but only for categories protected by the Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act (not source of income). File a complaint if you believe you’ve experienced discrimination based on race, sex, disability, etc. Visit the MDCR website.
• Form: Housing Discrimination Complaint Form (MDCR-6130): Use this form to report illegal discrimination in Michigan under Elliott-Larsen covered categories. Download the official MDCR complaint form.
  • Example: If a property manager says you can’t rent because of your ethnicity or disability, use this form to submit a claim.
• Local ordinances: In cities with local source of income protection, you can usually file a fair housing complaint directly with the city’s human rights or housing commission. For example, see the Ann Arbor Human Rights Commission or East Lansing's complaint process.

Which Tribunal Handles Rental Discrimination Cases in Michigan?

Formal complaints regarding illegal housing discrimination in Michigan are handled by the Michigan Department of Civil Rights (MDCR). MDCR’s Housing Discrimination Division reviews, investigates, and enforces the Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act.

However, for source of income discrimination, you need to check if your city’s human rights office or local housing tribunal offers a specific complaint process. Each city differs—contact them directly for details.

FAQ: Source of Income Discrimination in Michigan

1. Is it legal for my Michigan landlord to reject me because I use Section 8?
   Yes, unless you live in a city or county with a local law that specifically bans source of income discrimination, Michigan landlords can reject applicants based on Section 8 or other vouchers.
2. Which cities in Michigan protect renters from source of income discrimination?
   Cities like Ann Arbor and East Lansing have local anti-discrimination ordinances that include source of income. Check your local city code for up-to-date information.
3. How do I file a complaint if I think I’ve faced source of income discrimination?
   Contact your city’s human rights commission or housing department—most have an official process and complaint form. For other types of discrimination, you can use the MDCR Housing Discrimination Complaint Form statewide.
4. Are landlords in Michigan required to accept all types of income for rent qualification?
   No. Michigan landlords can set their own qualification criteria unless restricted by a local ordinance. In protected cities, they must treat all legal sources of income equally.
5. Where can I read the full Michigan law on housing discrimination?
   The main law is the Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act.

Key Takeaways for Michigan Renters

• Michigan state law does not ban source of income discrimination in private housing statewide.
• Some cities—like Ann Arbor and East Lansing—do protect renters’ income sources. Check your local laws.
• The Michigan Department of Civil Rights helps with discrimination complaints under state law, but not for income source unless covered locally.

Knowing these laws helps you understand your rights and what steps to take if you’re denied housing based on how you pay rent.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Michigan Department of Civil Rights (MDCR): Main state agency for fair housing complaints.
• Ann Arbor Human Rights Commission: Local complaints for Ann Arbor residents.
• East Lansing Housing Discrimination Resources: Local complaints and protections.
• Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA): Housing programs and rental assistance.
• For legal questions, visit the Michigan Legal Aid Directory.

---

1. Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act, Act 453 of 1976
2. Michigan Department of Civil Rights (MDCR) — Official Housing Discrimination Resource
3. MDCR-6130 Housing Discrimination Complaint Form (Official PDF)
4. Ann Arbor Code of Ordinances: Housing Rights
5. East Lansing — Housing Discrimination and Complaint Process

Categories

Renter Rights & Legal Protections Lease Agreements & Renewals Rent, Fees & Security Deposits Moving In: Inspections & Disclosures Moving Out & Ending a Lease Maintenance, Repairs & Habitability Health & Safety Standards Evictions & Lease Violations Roommates, Subletting & Shared Housing Discrimination & Fair Housing Laws Accessibility & Disability Accommodations Utilities, Services & Billing Affordable Housing & Rental Assistance Rent Control & Rent Stabilization Privacy Rights & Landlord Entry Security, Locks & Emergency Protections Dispute Resolution & Legal Aid Retaliation & Harassment Protections Mobile Home & Manufactured Housing Rights Special Housing Types & Situations